Ozempic and Diarrhea: What Users Say

• Dou...
• January 19, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "I took one Ozempic injection at 0.25 and ended up at the ER 2 days later. I had horrible bloating. Burping smelled like eggs. Unstoppable vomiting and diarrhea. I only took one injection and stopped the medicine. It has been 2 weeks and the medicine is still making me sick. I'm just wondering how long it takes to fully leave your system? I just want to feel human again. I was tested for pancreatitis but was okay, but the doctor said they will repeat labs soon. I don't recommended this medication to anyone! Please be safe taking this medication."

• Con...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 1, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "I started Ozempic in late December at 0.25 injection. I also take 500mg metformin per day. Soon after I started Ozempic, I had decreased appetite and my sugars improved, but I had reflux, gas, bloating, nausea, and diarrhea. After 4 weeks, I started 0.50. 2 weeks in, I have bouts of painful constipation then diarrhea, nausea, bloating, gas, reflux, and cramping. I've almost vomited a few times. When I eat, it feels like the food just sits and sits, barely moving through my gut. My doctor wants me to stick with it, saying that these side effects usually improve, but it's been pretty miserable. I'm thinking I'm going to stop taking it. While Ozempic has been effective in regulating my sugars and losing weight, I don't think it's worth the suffering that I've been enduring on this medication. I understand that studies showed it causing thyroid cancer in mice, but no one knows if it causes thyroid cancer in humans. I don't want to be the guinea pig the drug makers use to find out it does."

• Nw2...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 20, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "Started April 1, 2021, on Ozempic low dose. 3-week intervals it was increased. Side effects were constipation (went on laxatives to help), pain in my back (severe), bloating. Week 11 increased to 1mg, the side effects were major bloating, diarrhea, sounds in my stomach (crazy), nauseous, feeling under the weather. My appetite has decreased to the point that I only eat 2 meals a day that are small. My sugar levels have decreased from 7.1 to 5.2 A1C. I’ve noticed that I have been kept awake some nights like I’m nervous for some reason. In the first 3 weeks, I’ve lost 15 pounds. Haven’t checked since I want to wait but can feel a difference. The pains in the stomach are really uncomfortable, and the bloating I will try gas-x for relief. When I try to eat more than I should, my body tells me that I’m full. If I go beyond that point, I get severe pains in the stomach for hours. But depends on what I eat. Going to stay with smaller portions/healthier foods."

• Jan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 15, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "My doctor gave me Ozempic 0.5 to start with. I always had upset stomach, diarrhea with most foods, and an overall sick feeling all the time. I was able to 'live' with it until now. She decided to up my dose to the 1.0 and my body went into total chaos. I am always nauseous, constipated, got reflux, feels like my food is stuck in my stomach and doesn't go anywhere. I'm constantly burping and feeling bloated. The sick feeling feels intensified and I cannot function at work. I took my last one this past Friday night and was miserable all weekend long. Today I am at work unable to function at my best because the nausea is bad. I would say it is effective in lowering your blood sugar numbers and helping you lose weight but not worth feeling horribly sick over. I will not be using this medication any longer."

• Wor...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 4, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "When I started Ozempic at a dose of 0.25, I lost 10 pounds, sugar levels dropped from 6.7 to 6.3. I experienced a hard time wanting to drink water and felt water-logged after I drank water. The doctor increased the dose to 0.5, and 4 months ago I started having diarrhea, sulfur burps, bloating, fatigue, and more seriously, a lump on the right side of my throat and a sore throat. My doctor was surprised that I had these side effects a year later after taking the medicine. Ozempic is the only medication I'm taking other than vitamin D, B12, and calcium. My ultrasound shows several lumps, some larger than others, and now I'm waiting for the referral to see a nose, ear, and throat specialist. I stopped taking Ozempic 3 weeks ago. Worried about the side effects of thyroid cancers..."

• Cat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 10, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "First injected dose Sunday night. Wee hours Monday, the nausea started. No vomiting (emetophobic here!) Monday all day nausea that I could handle (took a Zofran). Tuesday afternoon hit with sudden stomach cramping and diarrhea. Those nasty sulfuric burps all Tuesday evening and overnight, diarrhea all night, and now it’s Wednesday morning and still watery diarrhea. My stomach has been rumbling and terribly bloated since Tuesday afternoon. I need to lose 70 lbs, but this is NOT worth it!! Who wants days and weeks of feeling HORRIBLE!?! I’ll lose weight another way! I have sleep apnea and am 56, so I want to be healthy, but this drug is not recommended unless you need to lose weight to stay alive. I teach too, so there’s no way I can continue this."

• Bec...
• December 28, 2020

For Type 2 Diabetes "I started taking the Ozempic injection a week before Christmas and took my second 0.25 dose on Xmas Eve. I've felt slight nausea since taking it and very little desire to eat. My BS levels have been 95% in range ever since and have managed to reduce my long-acting insulin by 20 units. I have lost 6 lbs so far. I was astounded it came off in the first week. The only time I have had bad stomach pains is when I've eaten something bad, and I get terrible runs 20 mins after eating, but once I've been to the loo, pain stops. I had vomiting once because I think I overate a few days after taking it. I was super bloated, and a few hours later I threw up, then I felt fine again. So I just eat little and often, mostly grazing and picking at fruit. I was worried about taking this because of the comments I've read, and with having IBS, I didn't know if it would be bad for me. But I have no issues taking it, and so far, so good. It's still early days for me, but I would 100% recommend it."

• Dis...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 5, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "I only did 2 lowest dose injections and stopped. The side effects were awful and still linger. The worst thing about the medication has been the gas, bloating, diarrhea, and awful taste/smell when I burp. I’m 6 days in after my last injection, and I still have all symptoms and continued diarrhea."

• Dan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 4, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "Two days after the injection, I get a pretty bad headache, indigestion, and a bloated feeling that lasts the day. This week (6th shot) has been different. It’s the second week the dose was raised from .25 mg to .5 mg. I felt like I had to throw up. The indigestion, burping, constipation, sore muscles, aches, and heavy sweating all felt like I had a horrible flu. I stayed home from work. I went back to work today, when I normally get the headache, and had heavy sweating, burping, indigestion, cold clammy skin, bloating, diarrhea, and depression and anxiety (years since I had either one). Tonight I still have bloating, wrists and shoulders sore, and indigestion with burps. My neck is really stiff. The normal headache has started with a little dizziness. I am still debating what to do as this has been an effective medicine. My blood sugar has gone from 290 to 90 to 140 when I check it. I have lost weight as well."

• Bil...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 7, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "Ozempic is dangerous! I started to get unbearable stomach pains, bloating, diarrhea, increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, and a host of other problems. It got to the point where if I really had to go to the bathroom, I almost couldn't hold my stool because it was frequent, urgent diarrhea. I suffered through a nightmare. One day I went to visit NY, and I forgot to take my shot of Ozempic. My symptoms all disappeared after a few days. Ozempic was the culprit. My blood pressure, heart rate, and everything else went back to normal. I was so happy and felt great again. Doctors are not God. My doctor gave me the Ozempic even though he knew my insurance didn't cover it and it would cost over $550/month. He kept giving me the free samples so I wouldn't have to pay. What kind of doctor puts you on a long-term med knowing you can never afford it? Bottom line is... do not take this drug. You'll regret it."

• Nei...
• April 16, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "Month 1, I was started on Ozempic at 0.25 mg and had very mild symptoms of bloating and reduced appetite. Month 2 & 3, uncomfortable. Stomach cramps, gas, and diarrhea probably for 4 days after injection. This can be really embarrassing in a small office. By the end of Month 3, I was feeling quite a bit better. At this point, my HbA1c was down to 5.2 from 9.4, I had virtually no diabetic symptoms. No blurred vision, no numbness in fingers and toes, and I was sleeping through the night without visits to the bathroom. And I lost 16 kilo in weight. Month 4 to 7. OMG. Increasing to 1 mg, the side effects are horrendous. Weight loss has stalled, though this is probably due to lockdown. The sickness and eggy burps are constant, and now my doctor says it will be at least 6 months before the side effects could be gone. But I have no diabetic symptoms, my HbA1c is pretty much normal, and I think the effort has been worth it. Not an easy journey, but worthwhile."

• mac...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 21, 2018

For Type 2 Diabetes "After the first 0.25 mg injection, I was extremely bloated and burping within 5 hours. I woke the 2nd day with extreme bloat, diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal pain. I could not eat or drink a thing because of severe bloating. This lasted 5 days. Foolishly, I did a 2nd dose the next week of 0.25 mg. This time, I became much, much sicker with the same symptoms but more severe. Abdominal pain severe, bloating was so bad I had to go to the ER, my stomach was as tight as a drum. They were talking about sticking a tube in my stomach to release the incredible pressure, instead, I came home and rolled around in agony for 3 days. I stopped using it, but the side effects continued. 7 weeks of severe gastroenteritis that caused so much inflammation in my body, I have been in so much pain. No amount of weight loss is worth this level of suffering. If you have any GI issues like gastroparesis, you really should not be risking it with this drug, it says so right in the insert."

• Dix...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 11, 2022

For Cardiovascular Risk Reduction "Two days after my first injection, I had horrible sulfur burps that were making me feel sick. By that evening, I had horrific stomach cramps; by 11:30 pm, I had uncontrollable diarrhea! My prescriber advised me to eat six small meals a day and that the symptoms would improve with each injection. I left it twelve days before my next one (as I had a couple of social things I didn’t want to miss if it happened again) and thought at first it was better. A headache day one, nausea on day two, but sulfur burps again by day three. I got indigestion medicine, but it didn’t even touch it. That night, same again; cramps, diarrhea, more burps, and this time intense nausea too. I decided at that point it might not be for me! I really hope it helps some people lose weight, but don’t expect a quick easy fix! I actually felt fatter the whole time I was on it as I was so bloated and tender."

• No ...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 5, 2021

For Cardiovascular Risk Reduction "Started low dose .25, experienced discomfort in the stomach. Increased 4 weeks later to .5, symptoms got worse, blood sugar improved. Another 4 weeks after, moved to 1 mg dosage, and life is awful. I've lost all control of my bowels from the severe long-lasting diarrhea, sometimes pooping the bed. I'm wearing adult diapers at 35, and my self-esteem has taken a nosedive. The sulfur burps are horrible and constant. The gas and bloating make me look and feel horrible. I'm following a diet and doing every single thing my doctor has asked me to do for 7 months. I've lost 32 pounds but sleep in a diaper. Was it worth it? No... Nope... My A1C improved a tiny bit, but otherwise, I'm just feeling tired, weak, and totally mortified. Can't go hardly anywhere unless I KNOW there is a restroom very close. Vomit every day."

• The...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 6, 2023

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been using it for about 1 1/2 months and have lost 14 pounds. I don't have much of an appetite, but some of the other side effects are bloating, constipation, diarrhea, throwing up, and feeling very tired. I love the weight loss, but the side effects are too much!"

• Nom...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 23, 2021

For Cardiovascular Risk Reduction "Sulfur burps, sulfur farts, abdominal pain, diarrhea, bloated, pancreas pain, sore breasts, feeling as if I am going to faint, pressure behind eyes. I have never been to the hospital so many times in my life. They told me I had a 'stomach bug', turns out that it was Ozempic. I had such high hopes, I've heard many great things. User beware!"

• I...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 1, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "I rarely ever have side effects from any drugs that I have taken before. After my second dose, I began extreme side effects of stomach pain, bloating, sour belching, flatulence, diarrhea, zero appetite, and indigestion. These symptoms have not gone away after 10 days of discontinued use. It definitely lowered my daily sugar levels. You can use this medication if you are okay with feeling like death."

• Don...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 23, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "Been on Ozempic 3 months. I hate this mess. I’m constantly throwing up (not good, just bile). I’ve never been so weak in my life. Since taking the drug, I constantly pass out even though I’ve had to decrease my long-term insulin. I’ve consulted with my doctors, and they keep saying let my body become accustomed to the med. The erratic bowel issues are insane. One day I’m so bloated from constipation, 2 days later I have diarrhea. Not much I can eat without throwing up. I honestly don’t know how much longer I can do this."

• Nan...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 18, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "After reading the reviews, a lot of my problems using Ozempic have been answered. I was wondering why I had the side effects that I did, such as vomiting, diarrhea, bloating, stomach gurgling, and belching or egg taste, etc., but a lot has been answered here. My only comment about this is that I am to use .50 every week, and my pen only holds 3 weeks' worth. I have called 2X after I mentioned it to my nurse practitioner, and the only thing I get is offered a voucher for a free pen. My question is, am I the only one that doesn't get the full 4 weeks' worth of the pen if using .50? I tried to ask that to customer service this morning, and she could not answer my question but only offer yet another voucher. Please tell me if I am the only one that this happens to or not. Overall, I am extremely happy with the product."

• Bar...
• February 27, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "I started on Ozempic in January 2021. I started on 0.25 mg and then in February went up to 0.50 mg. My A1C has come down from 8.5 to 6.9, which is brilliant. My fasting sugar levels are below 7 in the morning compared to 8-10, and I find it’s below 7 during the day. Bloating is awful and constant, my stomach is blown up like I’m 6 months pregnant. I haven’t lost any weight. My digestive system feels off. Although my appetite is surprising, I wonder how good this is if you're not eating and getting all the nutrients your body needs. Constipation and diarrhea are extreme. I’m always really thirsty, and normally if I drink water..."

• Kim...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 5, 2023

For Type 2 Diabetes "I have type 2 diabetes and am overweight. Although I try to eat healthy and walk, I am always tired and couldn’t lose weight. I started Ozempic about 6 months ago. At 0.25 mg, I experienced nausea, bloating, and diarrhea after I ate anything. I didn’t want to increase my dose after 4 weeks due to the side effects. The symptoms lessened but didn’t go away. I increased my dose 3 months ago to 0.50 mg. I have lost about 18 pounds, but the side effects make me feel terrible. I experience sharp stomachache pains, nausea, and overall not feeling well, and the worst symptom is terrible leg pain. Both legs hurt constantly from my knees down. Some nights I cannot sleep. I have been told it’s not a reported side effect, but it started right after I increased my dose. My A1C is down from 12 to 7.5, so I want to continue but am not sure if I can tolerate this discomfort. Has anyone else experienced leg/foot pain? My doctor says it’s from diabetes, but my numbers are down, and I never had this pain before."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 3, 2024

"I've been taking .25 for 5 weeks. The first few doses I experienced diarrhea and vomited twice. I started my 6th dose and noticed the side effects are gone. I haven't lost weight yet, but feel less bloated and feel a few inches slimmer. I was told I may not notice weight loss until I increase the dose."

• pam...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 21, 2023

For Type 2 Diabetes "I started taking Ozempic at 0.025 mg for two months, primarily relying on meal replacements for diabetes twice a day along with a small amount of cereal (Grape Nuts). During those two months, I lost 30 pounds. However, I experienced dizzy spells because I was also taking high blood pressure medication. Once I stopped the blood pressure medication, the dizziness went away. I then increased my Ozempic dosage to 0.050 mg, and that's when things took a turn for the worse. I started having sulfur burps (long and frequent belching), excessive gas, diarrhea, and if I overate cereal, I would vomit. Even if I didn't eat anything, I would still experience vomiting. I lowered the insulin dosage, and it improved. After a month, I was able to handle the 0.050 mg dosage. Later, I increased it to 1 mg. At this point, I wasn't losing weight anymore, but I experienced hunger pains and started eating other things. On and off, I would have episodes of diarrhea, belching, and gas. Additionally, I started experiencing pain under both sides of my ribs, bloating, belching, diarrhea, and gas. I had blood work done, which revealed that my thyroid levels were significantly off. I am scheduled for an ultrasound to examine my thyroid, pancreas, liver, gallbladder, and GI tract, among others."

• Meg...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 16, 2021

For Cardiovascular Risk Reduction "I started this medication last week on Tuesday. The first two days, I had a headache and a flu-like feeling. Throughout the week, I felt nausea almost daily, bouts of diarrhea, and bloated. Today is my second dose of 0.25, and I lost 4 pounds in 7 days (probably the fact that anytime I eat, my next bowel movement is diarrhea). I have felt a general unwellness for the last 7 days and am anxious about how this week will go, as I haven't been able to accomplish what I normally am able to. If this week gets worse and I start vomiting and being really unwell, then I will stop taking this medication. I definitely don't have the same appetite I did before, and my junk food craving has basically been vanquished, however. If the symptoms don't peter out or they get worse, I don't see the point, as it affects my son's life as well when I can't be the best mom I can be."

• LLK...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 10, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "I was put on Ozempic for type 2 diabetes. The first week, I suffered bloating, sour stomach, and diarrhea. I was told it was temporary and it would get better. The next week, everything was worse and projectile vomiting was added. I took the third dose and nothing was better. I told the nurse about my experience and was told to stop the medication. I just don't know how long it will be before all the residual will get out of my body. I know this med works great for a lot of people, but not for me."